Spring-adjustment assembly of firearm magazine

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a firearm magazine configured to be selectively received by, and coupled to, a firearm. An ammunition spring is received, at least in part, in the firearm magazine. A spring-adjustment assembly is mounted to the firearm magazine, and is also interactable with the ammunition spring once (A) the firearm magazine is received by, and coupled to, the firearm, and (B) the firearm magazine is removed from the firearm. The spring-adjustment assembly remains with the firearm magazine so that the spring-adjustment assembly is not inadvertently lost or misplaced once the firearm magazine is removed from the firearm.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to)a firearm magazine having an internal spring and a spring-adjustmentassembly for the internal spring, and/or method therefor, and/or afirearm magazine including an attachable telescopic spring-decompressionmechanism, or a firearm magazine including a spring-adjustment assembly(spring-decompression mechanism) configured to remain (stay) mounted to(affixed to) the firearm magazine, and interacting with a magazinespring contained in the firearm magazine.

BACKGROUND

A firearm is a portable gun or a barreled weapon that launches one ormore projectiles (bullets) often driven by an explosive force. Modernfirearms are usually described by caliber (bore diameter or, in the caseof shotguns, gauge), type of action employed (muzzle, breech, lever,bolt, pump, revolver, semi-automatic, automatic, etc.), and/or the meansof deportment (hand-held or mechanical mounting).

SUMMARY

It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least inpart) at least one problem associated with the existing firearmmagazines (also called the existing technology). After much study of theknown systems and methods with experimentation, an understanding of theproblem and its solution has been identified and is articulated asfollows:

Firearms magazines that require loading firearm cartridges generallyhave a strong spring within the magazine allowing each successivecartridge to be positioned at the mouth of the magazine, ready forfiring. In order to charge a magazine by hand, cartridges already in themagazine may be pushed downward to make a space for the next cartridgeto be inserted. Speed of loading is often necessary, particularly incombat situations, target practice, etc. In other situations also, suchas hunting, time is valuable and a device for rapid magazine charging isuseful. With small cartridges, it may be very difficult to charge amagazine quickly using human hands only. Therefore, numerous differentdevices, such as speed loaders, are used in order to load ammunitioninto the firearm magazine. Moreover, these devices (speed loaders) arefrequently misplaced and/or lost altogether, and result in inconvenienceand/or additional expense for users of firearm magazines, or unwantedinjury when manually loading ammunition into the magazine without thedevice (the known speed loader or known ammunition loader).

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a first majoraspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes (and is not limited to) afirearm magazine having an ammunition spring. A spring-adjustmentassembly is configured to selectively reduce the spring tension in theammunition spring in such a way that the spring-adjustment assemblypermits relatively easier loading of ammunition into the firearmmagazine. The spring-adjustment assembly is mounted to the firearmmagazine in such a way that the spring-adjustment assembly is notremovable from the firearm magazine once the firearm magazine issecurely coupled to the firearm.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a secondmajor aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes a firearm magazineconfigured to be selectively received by, and coupled to, a firearm. Anammunition spring (also called an internal spring) is received, at leastin part, in the firearm magazine. A spring-adjustment assembly ismounted to the firearm magazine, and is also cooperative (interactable)with the ammunition spring once (A) the firearm magazine is received by,and coupled to, the firearm, and (B) the firearm magazine is removedfrom the firearm. The spring-adjustment assembly remains with thefirearm magazine so that the spring-adjustment assembly is notinadvertently lost or misplaced once the firearm magazine is removedfrom the firearm.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with theexisting technology, there is provided (in accordance with a third majoraspect) a method. The method is for using a firearm magazine configuredto be selectively received by, and coupled to, a firearm, and in whichan ammunition spring is received, at least in part, in the firearmmagazine. The method includes mounting a spring-adjustment assembly tothe firearm magazine so that the spring-adjustment assembly isinteractable with the ammunition spring once the firearm magazine isreceived by, and coupled to, the firearm, and once the firearm magazineis removed from the firearm. The spring-adjustment assembly remains withthe firearm magazine so that the spring-adjustment assembly is notinadvertently lost or misplaced once the firearm magazine is removedfrom the firearm.

Other aspects are identified in the claims.

Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may nowbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the followingdetailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with theaccompanying drawings.

This Summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form thatare further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary isnot intended to identify key features or essential features of thedisclosed or claimed subject matter, and is not intended to describeeach disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed orclaimed subject matter, and is not intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other noveladvantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as thisdescription proceeds. The figures and the description that follow moreparticularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by referenceto the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodimentswhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B depict views (FIG. 1 depicts a perspective rear view,FIG. 2A depicts a side view, and FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectional view)of a prior art embodiment of a known firearm magazine for a firearm;

FIGS. 3 to 15 depict views (FIGS. 3 to 8 depict side views, FIGS. 9 to11 and 13 depict perspective views, and FIGS. 12, 14 and 15 depictcross-sectional schematic views) in accordance with a first embodimentof an apparatus including a firearm magazine, an ammunition spring and aspring-adjustment assembly; and

FIGS. 16 to 21 depict views (FIGS. 16 and 17 depict side views, FIG. 18depicts a perspective view, FIG. 19 depicts an exploded view, FIG. 20depicts a partial side view, and FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectionalschematic view) in accordance with a second embodiment of the apparatusof FIG. 3.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated byphantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. Incertain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of theembodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult toperceive) may have been omitted.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding componentsthroughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the severalfigures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not beendrawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figuresmay be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating anunderstanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common,but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary incommercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide aless obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

-   102 firearm magazine-   103 magazine floor-   104 internal well-   105 ammunition portal-   106 ammunition spring-   107 spring portal-   108 spring-adjustment assembly-   109 lip portion-   110 first section-   111 first engagement groove, or spaced-apart first engagement    grooves-   112 second section-   113 oppositely-positioned second engagement groove, or second    engagement grooves-   114 retention cutout-   115 edge portion-   116 retention clip-   117 channel-   118 first hollow tube-   119 receiver section-   120 ammunition limiter-   122 catch-release button, or oppositely-positioned catch-release    buttons-   124 catch-release button housing, or oppositely-positioned    catch-release button housings-   126 retention opening, or oppositely-positioned retention openings-   128 rail element, or oppositely-positioned rail elements-   129 cover, or oppositely-positioned covers-   130 second hollow tube-   131 groove, or oppositely-positioned interior facing grooves-   132 protrusion, or oppositely-positioned protrusions-   133 bottom wall-   134 post member-   135 peripheral side wall-   136 post attachment-   137 internal channel-   138 belt clip-   140 footing assembly-   142 latch, or oppositely-positioned latches-   144 spring assembly-   146 base assembly-   148 plate assembly-   150 connector-   900 firearm-   901 known firearm magazine-   902 bullets-   903 downwardly-extending handle-   904 known internal well-   905 pistol-   906 known magazine spring-   908 known magazine floor

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is notintended to limit the described embodiments or the application and usesof the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or“illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.”Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherimplementations. All of the implementations described below areexemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the artto make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended tolimit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is definedby the claims (in which the claims may be amended during patentexamination after filing of this application). For the description, theterms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples asoriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by anyexpressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field,Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also tobe understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attacheddrawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplaryembodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appendedclaims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating tothe embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unlessthe claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase“at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations,modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalentthereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understoodthat the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by theclaims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspectsdepicted and described.

FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B depict views of a prior art embodiment of a knownfirearm magazine 901 for usage with a firearm 900. FIG. 1 depicts aperspective rear view of an embodiment of the firearm 900 (which isdepicted as a pistol). FIG. 2A depicts a side view of an embodiment of aknown firearm magazine 901 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectionalview through a cross-sectional line A-A of the known firearm magazine901 of FIG. 2A.

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, thefirearm 900 (such as, a pistol 905, etc.) is configured to securelyreceive (at least in part) a known firearm magazine 901, and entirelyrelease the known firearm magazine 901 (also called a prior artmagazine). The known firearm magazine 901 is configured to receive aplurality of bullets 902 (preferably, in a single file manner, one afterthe other) within or into a known internal well 904 (also called a priorart internal well) that is defined by the known firearm magazine 901.The firearm 900 includes a downwardly-extending handle 903 configured tooperatively receive (securely receive) the known firearm magazine 901.This is done in such a way that the known firearm magazine 901 maydispense the bullets 902 into a firing chamber (known and not depicted)of the firearm 900 (one at a time).

A known magazine spring 906 (also called a prior art magazine spring orinternal spring) is positioned in the known firearm magazine 901. Oncepositioned, the known magazine spring 906 is configured to urge thebullets 902 contained in the known firearm magazine 901 toward an exitportal of the known firearm magazine 901 (and then into the firearm900). When the firearm magazine 901 is not received in the firearm 900,a detent mechanism (known and not depicted, which is a catch thatprevents motion until released) prevents the bullets 902 from exitingthe firearm magazine 901. The known magazine spring 906 is configured tomake contact with a known magazine floor 908 (also called a prior artmagazine floor, or the floor 908). The floor 908 is positioned at thebottom section of the firearm magazine 901. The known magazine spring906 pushes against the known magazine floor 908 in such a way that theknown magazine spring 906 urges the bullets 902 contained in the knownfirearm magazine 901 toward the exit portal of the known firearmmagazine 901.

FIGS. 3 to 15 depict views in accordance with a first embodiment of anapparatus including a synergistic combination of a firearm magazine 102,an ammunition spring 106 and a spring-adjustment assembly 108. FIGS. 3to 8 depict side views of the first embodiment of the apparatus. FIGS. 9to 11 and 13 depict perspective views of embodiments of the apparatus ofFIG. 6. FIGS. 12, 14 and 15 depict cross-sectional schematic views ofembodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 6.

The firearm magazine 102 is combined with the spring-adjustment assembly108. The spring-adjustment assembly 108 may be called an attachabletelescopic spring decompression mechanism, or a built-in ammunitionloader. More specifically, the firearm magazine 102 includes a built-inammunition loader configured to facilitate loading of ammunition intothe firearm magazine 102, and to increase capacity of the ammunitioncarried by the firearm magazine 102 (where applicable and permitted bylaw and/or gun regulations). The apparatus includes an ammunition loaderconfigured to load ammunition into the firearm magazine 102, in whichthe ammunition loader is built (integrated) into, or configured to bebuilt into (as a retrofit kit), the firearm magazine 102.

In general terms, the apparatus includes (and is not limited to) afirearm magazine 102, and a spring-adjustment assembly 108 (also calledan ammunition loader) that is mounted to the firearm magazine 102. Thespring-adjustment assembly 108 is not removable from the firearmmagazine 102 once the firearm magazine 102 is securely coupled to(received by) the firearm 900.

Preferably, the firearm magazine 102 has an ammunition spring 106. Thespring-adjustment assembly 108 is configured to selectively reduce thespring tension in the ammunition spring 106 in such a way that thespring-adjustment assembly 108 permits relatively easier loading ofammunition into the firearm magazine 102. The spring-adjustment assembly108 is mounted to the firearm magazine 102 in such a way that thespring-adjustment assembly 108 is not removable from the firearmmagazine 102 once the firearm magazine 102 is securely coupled to thefirearm 900.

Preferably, the apparatus provides a telescopic construction. Once theuser presses a button, the spring-adjustment assembly 108, in use,extends (extends downwardly) from the firearm magazine 902 and away fromthe firearm 900. In this manner, the spring tension of the ammunitionspring 106 is relaxed (released or decompressed, at least in part) inorder to allow relatively easier loading of ammunition (bullets) intothe firearm magazine 102 (because there is relatively less springtension in the ammunition spring 106). The spring-adjustment assembly108 is configured to selectively release, at least in part, springtension in the ammunition spring 106 in order to allow relatively easierloading of ammunition into the firearm magazine 102.

Once the firearm magazine 102 has been loaded with fresh ammunition, thespring tension of the ammunition spring 106 is increased as a result.That is, the spring tension is increased by pressing upwardly on a lowerpart of the spring-adjustment assembly 108. The spring-adjustmentassembly 108 remains secured to the firearm magazine 102 with a pair ofoppositely-positioned catch-release buttons 122 (hereafter referred toas the catch-release buttons 122), so that the spring tension may beincreased (to provide proper operation of the firearm 900 once thefirearm magazine 102 is received by the firearm 900).

Generally, the spring-adjustment assembly 108 includes a series of tubesshaped according to the shape of the firearm magazine 102, withattachments to accommodate functionality, safety, and comfort of theuser. The spring-adjustment assembly 108 provides, once assembled, atelescopic extension to the firearm magazine 102.

The spring-adjustment assembly 108 provides at least one or morebenefits to a user of the firearm 900. Firstly, for instance, theammunition may be loaded into the firearm magazine 102 in a relativelyfaster and/or more efficient way without the need for additional tools.Secondly, for instance, the spring-adjustment assembly 108 is coupled tothe firearm magazine 102 while any one of the following conditions mayexist (states of operation): (A) the firearm magazine 102 is operativelyreceived in the firearm 900, or (B) the firearm magazine 102 is notoperatively received in the firearm 900 (that is, the firearm magazine102 is removed from the firearm 900). In this manner, thespring-adjustment assembly 108 is not inadvertently lost or misplaced.In sharp contrast, known ammunition loaders are very easily lost simplybecause these known devices do not remain (fail to remain) coupled tothe firearm magazine 102 while the firearm magazine 102 is inserted intothe firearm 900. For instance, if the firearm 900 is deployed during afirelight situation, the spring-adjustment assembly 108 allows forimproved and convenient utilization of the firearm 900 under theseextreme conditions.

Thirdly, for the case where it is required to (A) constantly hold theammunition inside the firearm magazine 102 until required on a standbybasis (such as, military application and/or law enforcement application,etc.), and/or (B) store the firearm 900 and the firearm magazine 102until required (for instance, when the user is off duty or on leave,etc.). In this case, the spring-adjustment assembly 108 causes theammunition spring 106 to be conveniently decompressed, and, therefore,the life and durability of the ammunition spring 106 may besignificantly prolonged as a result of utilizing (employing) thespring-adjustment assembly 108.

Fourthly, where permitted by law, and/or where necessary, thespring-adjustment assembly 108 may be used as an ammunition-capacityextension. Therefore, a few more rounds of ammunition may be loaded, ifso required or desired.

Fifthly (in accordance with an embodiment), a belt clip 138 (as depictedin FIG. 16) may be added to the spring-adjustment assembly 108, so theremay not be a need for a magazine pouch for receiving the firearmmagazine 102, and/or the firearm magazine 102 may be carried on a beltof the user, preferably without any additional equipment required forstorage of the firearm magazine 102 (if so desired).

The firearm magazine 102 is combined with the spring-adjustment assembly108 (also called an attachable telescopic spring decompressionmechanism, or a spring decompression mechanism). The spring-adjustmentassembly 108 is configured to provide firearm users with a relativelysafer and relatively faster ability for loading ammunition into thefirearm magazine 102, especially so for environments where speed andefficiency matters (and no other ammunition loading devices are readilyavailable).

Preferably, the spring-adjustment assembly 108 is permanently attachedto the firearm magazine 102. In this manner, the spring-adjustmentassembly 108 cannot be misplaced or lost (this reduces or eliminates theneed to carry additional ammunition-loading tools, such as speedloaders, etc.).

Once the firearm magazine 102 is fully removed from the firearm 900, andwith the press of a button (by the user), a portion of thespring-adjustment assembly 108 extends downwardly from the firearm 900,thereby releasing tension of the ammunition spring 106 allows the userto (A) insert ammunition into the firearm magazine 102 relatively easierand/or relatively faster, with less possibility for inadvertentlyhurting (pinching) the fingers of the user, and (B) fill the firearmmagazine 102 to fullest capacity possible. Preferably, in many cases, byusing the spring-adjustment assembly 108, the loading of the firearmmagazine 102 is not performed without some sort of ammunition loadingdevice (known and not depicted), preferably to a full capacity of thefirearm magazine 102 (if desired).

After the ammunition (the bullets 902) is loaded into the firearmmagazine 102, the spring-adjustment assembly 108 is pushed (movable)upwardly from the bottom of the firearm magazine 102. This is done insuch a way that tension is applied to the ammunition spring 106, and theammunition spring 106 is returned to the required spring tension forproper operation of the firearm 900 (once the firearm magazine 102 isloaded into the firearm 900).

Referring to the first embodiment (as depicted in FIGS. 3 to 15) andalso referring to the second embodiment (as depicted in FIGS. 16 to 21),the apparatus includes (and is not limited to) a synergistic combinationof a firearm magazine 102, an ammunition spring 106 and aspring-adjustment assembly 108.

The firearm magazine 102 is configured to be selectively securelyreceivable (directly or indirectly) by the firearm 900. The firearmmagazine 102 is also configured to be selectively removable (directly orindirectly) from the firearm 900. The firearm magazine 102 defines, atleast in part, an internal well 104. The internal well 104 is configuredto receive a plurality of bullets 902 therein.

The ammunition spring 106 is received, at least in part, in the internalwell 104 of the firearm magazine 102. The ammunition spring 106 is incontact, at least in part, (either directly or indirectly) with amagazine floor 103 of the internal well 104 of the firearm magazine 102.The ammunition spring 106 is configured to apply pressure to (eitherdirectly or indirectly) the plurality of bullets 902 received in theinternal well 104. This is done in such a way that the ammunition spring106, in use, pushes against (directly or indirectly) the magazine floor103 and urges (either directly or indirectly) the plurality of bullets902 towards the internal well 104 of the firearm magazine 102.

The spring-adjustment assembly 108 is configured to: (A) selectivelycompress (directly or indirectly) the ammunition spring 106, and (B)selectively decompress (directly or indirectly) the ammunition spring106 relative to the magazine floor 103 of the firearm magazine 102. Thespring-adjustment assembly 108 is also configured to selectivelydecompress (directly or indirectly) the ammunition spring 106. This isdone in such a way that a bullet 902 is relatively easier to insert inthe internal well 104 of the firearm magazine 102 once: (A) the firearmmagazine 102 is selectively removed (directly or indirectly) from thefirearm 900, and (B) the spring-adjustment assembly 108 has selectivelydecompressed the ammunition spring 106. The spring-adjustment assembly108 is configured to selectively compress (either directly orindirectly) the ammunition spring 106. This is done in such a way thatthe ammunition spring 106 provides relatively more pressure (directly orindirectly) against the plurality of bullets 902 housed in the firearmmagazine 102, and the ammunition spring 106 urges (directly orindirectly) the plurality of bullets 902 towards the internal well 104of the firearm magazine 102. The spring-adjustment assembly 108 issecurely affixed (directly or indirectly) to the firearm magazine 102while the firearm magazine 102 is selectively securely received(directly or indirectly) by the firearm 900. The spring-adjustmentassembly 108 is securely affixed (directly or indirectly) to the firearmmagazine 102 while the firearm magazine 102 is selectively removed fromthe firearm 900.

A technical advantage of the apparatus is that the user is not able tomisplace the spring-adjustment assembly 108 because thespring-adjustment assembly 108 remains securely coupled to the firearmmagazine 102, whether the firearm magazine 102 is received by, or is notreceived by the firearm 900. In this manner, the firearm magazine 102may be refilled with fresh bullets 902 at any time by the user, asneeded, simply because the spring-adjustment assembly 108 remains withthe firearm magazine 102 at all times.

In sharp contrast to the apparatus, the prior-art ammunition loadersystems may be easily lost or misplaced, and the user may then berequired to manually insert the bullets 902 into the firearm magazine102, which is not convenient for the user and/or the user may becomeinadvertently hurt while loading the firearm magazine 102 by using theprior-art ammunition loader systems.

In view of the foregoing (in summary), the firearm magazine 102 isconfigured to be selectively received by, and coupled to, the firearm900. The ammunition spring 106 is received, at least in part, in thefirearm magazine 102. The spring-adjustment assembly 108 is mounted tothe firearm magazine 102, and the spring-adjustment assembly 108 is alsointeractable with the ammunition spring 106 once (A) the firearmmagazine 102 is received by, and coupled to, the firearm 900, and (B)the firearm magazine 102 is removed from the firearm 900. Thespring-adjustment assembly 108 remains with the firearm magazine 102 sothat the spring-adjustment assembly 108 is not inadvertently lost ormisplaced once the firearm magazine 102 is removed from the firearm 900.

In accordance with an embodiment, the spring-adjustment assembly 108 isinteractable with the ammunition spring 106 once the firearm magazine102 is removed from the firearm 900. This is done in such a way that thespring-adjustment assembly 108 selectively decompresses the ammunitionspring 106 so that a bullet 902 is relatively easier to insert into thefirearm magazine 102. The spring-adjustment assembly 108 selectivelycompresses, in use, the ammunition spring 106 so that the bullet 902received by the firearm magazine 102 is ready for utilization by thefirearm 900 once the firearm magazine 102 is received by, and coupledto, the firearm 900.

In accordance with an embodiment, there is provided a method for usingthe firearm magazine 102 configured to be selectively received by, andcoupled to, the firearm 900, and in which the ammunition spring 106 isreceived, at least in part, in the firearm magazine 102. The methodincludes (and is not limited to) mounting a spring-adjustment assembly108 to the firearm magazine 102 so that the spring-adjustment assembly108 is interactable with the ammunition spring 106 once the firearmmagazine 102 is received by, and coupled to, the firearm 900, and oncethe firearm magazine 102 is removed from the firearm 900. Thespring-adjustment assembly 108 remains with the firearm magazine 102 sothat the spring-adjustment assembly 108 is not inadvertently lost ormisplaced once the firearm magazine 102 is removed from the firearm 900.

In accordance with an embodiment, there is provided (for the retrofitmarket) the apparatus, in which the apparatus includes (and is notlimited to) a spring-adjustment assembly 108 configured to selectivelyreduce spring tension of an ammunition spring 106 of a firearm magazine102 of a firearm 900 (this is done in such a way that thespring-adjustment assembly 108 permits relatively easier loading ofammunition into the firearm magazine 102. The spring-adjustment assembly108 is mountable to the firearm magazine 102 in such a way that thespring-adjustment assembly 108 is not removable from the firearmmagazine 102 once the firearm magazine 102 is securely coupled to thefirearm 900.

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, thefirearm magazine 102 includes (defines) an ammunition portal 105 (alsocalled a first open-end section), and also defines a spring portal 107(also called a second open-end section) that is spaced apart from theammunition portal 105. The ammunition portal 105 is configured toreceive a bullet 902 (as depicted in FIG. 6). This is done in such a waythat the bullet 902 may enter an internal well 104 extending through thefirearm magazine 102. The internal well 104 extends between theammunition portal 105 and the spring portal 107. In addition, theammunition portal 105 is also configured to provide (dispense) thebullet 902 from the internal well 104 to the firearm 900 (as depicted inFIG. 14). The spring portal 107 is configured to receive the ammunitionspring 106 (as depicted in FIGS. 4 to 6).

The firearm magazine 102 includes a lip portion 109 (also depicted inFIG. 9) that is positioned proximate to the spring portal 107. The lipportion 109 may be called a peripheral edge. The lip portion 109 extendsexternally from the firearm magazine 102 (away from the interior of theinternal well 104).

The spring-adjustment assembly 108 includes a first section 110 and asecond section 112 that are configured to be (A) selectively movablerelative to each other, and (B) selectively securely lockable to eachother. The first section 110 may be called a first housing or a tophousing. The second section 112 may be called a second housing or abottom housing.

The first section 110 is configured to slide onto the firearm magazine102 from a top section of the firearm magazine 102 toward a bottomsection of the firearm magazine 102. The first section 110 defines achannel 117 (also depicted in FIG. 9) extending therethrough (that is,the channel 117 extends through the first section 110, between oppositeends of the first section 110). The first section 110 includes an edgeportion 115 (also depicted in FIG. 9) extending into the interior of thechannel 117 (that is, extending into the interior of the first section110). The channel 117, defined by the first section 110, is configuredto slidably receive the firearm magazine 102, and this is done in such away that the first section 110 is movable from the ammunition portal 105to the spring portal 107 of the firearm magazine 102.

As depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the lip portion 109 (of thefirearm magazine 102) eventually makes (is configured to make)interference contact with the edge portion 115 (of the first section110) once the first section 110 is moved along an exterior surface ofthe firearm magazine 102 from the ammunition portal 105 to the springportal 107. The first section 110 is no longer movable toward the springportal 107 once the lip portion 109 makes interference contact with theedge portion 115.

The spring-adjustment assembly 108 also includes the second section 112.The second section 112 is configured to receive and to support an endportion of the ammunition spring 106 (as depicted in FIGS. 4 to 6).

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6, the first section 110and the second section 112 are selectively coupled (either directly orindirectly) to each other. This is done in such a way that the firstsection 110 and the second section 112 are not movable relative to eachother.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, the firearmmagazine 102 has been loaded with a plurality of bullets 902 (manuallyby the user by way of the ammunition portal 105). Since the springtension in the ammunition spring 106 is relaxed as a result of using thespring-adjustment assembly 108 (as depicted in FIG. 12), the user mayhave a relatively easier time of inserting the bullet 902 into thefirearm magazine 102. The firearm 900 includes, for instance, a pistol905 having a downwardly-extending handle 903, etc. Returning to FIGS. 7and 8, the firearm magazine 102 is configured to be securely receivedinto the downwardly-extending handle 903 of the pistol 905, and to beselectively removable from the downwardly-extending handle 903. Theammunition spring 106 contacts the bottom-most bullet 902 and alsocontacts the second section 112 of the spring-adjustment assembly 108.The ammunition spring 106 biases the plurality of bullets 902 toward theammunition portal 105 in such a way that the bullets 902 may be fed intothe firearm 900 (on an as-needed basis) once the firearm magazine 102 isoperatively received in the downwardly-extending handle 903 (as depictedin FIG. 8).

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, thespring-adjustment assembly 108 includes the first section 110 (asdepicted in FIG. 9), and the spring-adjustment assembly 108 includes thesecond section 112 (as depicted in FIG. 10). The second section 112includes a synergistic combination of a first hollow tube 118, a secondhollow tube 130, a post member 134, and a receiver section 119. Thefirst hollow tube 118 is configured to be slideable into the interior ofthe first section 110 (as depicted in FIG. 9). The first section 110defines a pair of spaced-apart first engagement grooves 111 (hereafterreferred to as the first engagement groove 111) that are formed in thechannel 117. The first engagement grooves 111 are formed in the interiorof the first section 110. The first engagement grooves 111 areconfigured to interact with a pair of oppositely-positioned railelements 128 (hereafter referred to as the rail elements 128 or alsocalled a slide rail, etc.) provided by the first hollow tube 118 (asdepicted in FIG. 10). This is in such a way that the first hollow tube118 is slideable (up or down) along the interior of the first section110.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 9, the first section 110also defines a retention cutout 114. The retention cutout 114 isconfigured to cooperate with a retention clip 116 of the first hollowtube 118 of the second section 112 (as depicted in FIG. 10). This isdone in such a way that the first section 110 is selectively lockablyengageable with (and disengageable from) the first hollow tube 118. Theretention cutout 114 and the retention clip 116 are configured toselectively engage with each other (this is done in such a way that thefirst section 110 is securely coupled to the first hollow tube 118).

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 9, the first section 110also provides a pair of oppositely-positioned covers 129 (hereafterreferred to as the covers 129) that are positioned on opposite lateralsides of the first section 110. The covers 129 are configured to coverthe catch-release buttons 122 provided by the first hollow tube 118 (asdepicted in FIG. 10).

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 10, the catch-releasebuttons 122 (also called a latch) are configured to selectively latch(connect) with, and to de-latch (disconnect) from, a pair ofoppositely-positioned retention openings 126 (hereafter referred to asthe retention openings 126) defined by a pair of oppositely-positionedcatch-release button housings 124 (hereafter referred to as thecatch-release button housings 124) that are provided by the receiversection 119 (as depicted in FIG. 10). This is done in such a way thatthe ammunition spring 106 may be selectively decompressed (as depictedin FIG. 12) or compressed (as depicted in FIG. 14). The ammunitionspring 106 may be selectively decompressed (as depicted in FIG. 12), inwhich the spring-adjustment assembly 108 is placed in an open position(the ammunition spring 106 is decompressed). The ammunition spring 106may be selectively compressed (as depicted in FIG. 14), in which theapparatus is placed in a closed position (the ammunition spring 106 iscompressed).

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 10, the post member 134is securely received in, and mounted to or affixed to, the receiversection 119 (also called a base assembly). This is done in such a waythat the post member 134 extends away (upwardly) from the receiversection 119. The post member 134 is received (slidably received), atleast in part, in the hollow interior of the second hollow tube 130. Thesecond hollow tube 130 is received (slidably received), at least inpart, in the hollow interior of the first hollow tube 118. The secondhollow tube 130 is received (slidably received), at least in part, inthe hollow interior of the firearm magazine 102 (as depicted in FIGS. 12and 14).

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 10, the second section112 includes the first hollow tube 118. The retention clip 116 of thefirst hollow tube 118 (of the second section 112) is configured tocooperate with the retention cutout 114 of the first section 110 (asdepicted in FIG. 9). The first hollow tube 118 includes an ammunitionlimiter 120 (also called a bullet stop). The ammunition limiter 120extends, at least in part, from the first hollow tube 118 and into theinterior of the firearm magazine 102 (as depicted in FIG. 13). Theammunition limiter 120 may permanently extend (or detachably extend)from the first hollow tube 118. The ammunition limiter 120 is configuredto limit travel (position) of a bullet 902 that is held in the firearmmagazine 102 (as depicted in FIG. 15). This is done so that the firearmmagazine 102 may be in compliance with any required law or firearmregulation. For instance, the law or regulations may require a limit of10 rounds per firearm magazine 102, etc. By removing the ammunitionlimiter 120, where required and or permitted, the ammunition limiter 120may be used as a magazine-capacity extension, etc.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 10, the rail elements128 are positioned on opposite sides of the first hollow tube 118. Therail elements 128 are configured to slide engage with the firstengagement grooves 111 of the first section 110 (as depicted in FIG. 9).

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 10, the second section112 includes the second hollow tube 130. The second hollow tube 130 isconfigured to be slide received in the interior of the first hollow tube118. The second hollow tube 130 provides a pair of oppositely-positionedprotrusions 132 (hereafter referred to as the protrusions 132, and alsocalled a slide element). The protrusions 132 are positioned on oppositesides of the second hollow tube 130. The first hollow tube defines apair of oppositely-positioned interior facing grooves 131 (hereafterreferred to as the grooves 131) that are positioned on opposite sides ofthe first hollow tube 118. The protrusions 132 are slide engageable withthe grooves 131 of the first hollow tube 118. Preferably, the railelement 128 and the grooves 131 are aligned against each other.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 10, the second section112 includes the post member 134. The post member 134 is configured tobe slidable along the interior of the second hollow tube 130. The postmember 134 provides the magazine floor 103 (spring floor). The magazinefloor 103 is configured to be movable in such a way that the magazinefloor 103 compresses the ammunition spring 106 once the second section112 is pushed upwardly. The magazine floor 103 is configured to bemovable in such a way that the magazine floor 103 decompresses theammunition spring 106 once the second section 112 is pushed downwardly(in an extended position).

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 10, the second section112 includes the receiver section 119. The receiver section 119 definesa bottom wall 133 surrounded by a peripheral side wall 135. The receiversection 119 defines an open top section configured to receive, at leastin part, the post member 134.

The second section 112 provides a post attachment 136. The postattachment 136 is configured to securely attach to the post member 134.The post attachment 136 extends (upwardly) from the bottom wall 133. Thepost member 134 defines an internal channel 137 configured to receivethe post attachment 136. The open top section of the receiver section119 is also configured to receive, at least in part, the second hollowtube 130.

The receiver section 119 includes the catch-release button housings 124.The catch-release button housings 124 extend outwardly from the oppositesides of the peripheral side wall 135 (also called an upstanding sidewall). Each of the catch-release button housings 124 defines theretention openings 126.

The catch-release buttons 122 of the first hollow tube 118 areconfigured to interact (that is, latch to, and de-latch from) theretention openings 126 defined by the catch-release button housings 124provided by the second section 112. For the case where the catch-releasebuttons 122 are latched (selectively connected) to the retentionopenings 126 defined by the catch-release button housings 124, theammunition spring 106 becomes (and stays) compressed. For the case wherethe catch-release buttons 122 are de-latched (selectively disconnected)from the retention openings 126 defined by the catch-release buttonhousings 124, the ammunition spring 106 becomes (and remains)compressed.

The receiver section 119 defines a pair of oppositely-positioned secondengagement grooves 113 (hereafter referred to as the second engagementgrooves 113). More specifically, the peripheral side wall 135 definesthe second engagement grooves 113 that are each placed on opposite sidesof the peripheral side wall 135. The second engagement grooves 113 areconfigured to slidably receive, at least in part, the rail elements 128of the first hollow tube 118.

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, the firearmmagazine 102 has been disconnected or removed from the firearm 900 (asdepicted in FIG. 7). The first section 110 and the second section 112are positioned in a spring-decompression position, in which theammunition spring 106 is placed in a relatively decompressed state. Inthe spring-decompression position, the catch-release buttons 122 havebeen selectively de-latched (selectively disconnected) from theretention openings 126 defined by catch-release button housings 124 (asdepicted in FIG. 10), and the second section 112 has been moved awayfrom the first section 110 (this is done in such a way that thecomponents of the second section 112 are not covered and may beaccessible to the user). This is done in such a way that, in thespring-decompression position, the first section 110 and the secondsection 112 are spaced apart from each other. In thespring-decompression position, the user may insert the bullet 902 intothe ammunition portal 105 of the firearm magazine 102 with relative easeand comfort (as depicted in FIG. 12).

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14, the firstsection 110 and the second section 112 are positioned in aspring-compression position, in which the ammunition spring 106 isplaced in a relatively compressed state (in comparison to, or relativeto, the spring-decompression position as depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12).As depicted in FIG. 13, the firearm magazine 102 is disconnected orremoved from the firearm 900. In the spring-compression position, (A)the catch-release buttons 122 have been selectively latched (selectivelyconnected) to the retention openings 126 defined by the catch-releasebutton housings 124 (as depicted in FIG. 10), and (B) the second section112 has been moved toward the first section 110 (this is done in such away that the components of the second section 112 are covered and notaccessible to the user). This is done in such a way that, in thespring-compression position, the first section 110 and the secondsection 112 are relatively closer to each other (preferably, in directcontact with each other). In the spring-compression position, the userwill find it relatively more difficult to attempt to insert the bullet902 into the ammunition portal 105 of the firearm magazine 102 (for thecase where the firearm magazine 102 is disconnected from the firearm900, as depicted in FIG. 13).

As depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 14, the firearm magazine 102 isinserted into the firearm 900, and the firearm magazine 102 isconfigured to dispense the bullet 902 into the interior mechanisms ofthe firearm 900, with assistance from the ammunition spring 106.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 15, the ammunitionlimiter 120, in use, limits the number of bullets 902 that are receivedin the firearm magazine 102.

FIGS. 16 to 21 depict views in accordance with a second embodiment ofthe apparatus of FIG. 3. FIGS. 16 and 17 depict side views of the secondembodiment of the apparatus. FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of anembodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 depicts an exploded viewof an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 17. FIG. 20 depicts a partialside view of an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 17. FIG. 21 depictsa cross-sectional schematic view of an embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 17.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 16, the first section110 further includes a belt clip 138 configured to be selectivelyattached to a clothing item (such as a belt) of the user.

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18, thecombination of the firearm magazine 102 and the spring-adjustmentassembly 108 is received in the downwardly-extending handle 903 of thefirearm 900.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 19, the second section112 further includes a footing assembly 140, a pair ofoppositely-positioned latches 142 (hereafter referred to as the latches142), a spring assembly 144, a base assembly 146, a plate assembly 148and a connector 150. The connector 150 is configured to securely connectthe base assembly 146 to the plate assembly 148. The footing 140 and thebase assembly 146 are configured to house the latches 142 that arepositioned on opposite sides of the footing assembly 140. The springassembly 144 is positioned between the latches 142. The spring assembly144 is configured to urge the latches 142 toward a latched position, inwhich the first section 110 remains securely connected with the footingassembly 140. To disconnect the first section 110 from the footingassembly 140, the user depresses the latches 142 in such a way that thespring assembly 144 no longer urges the latches 142 toward an un-latchedposition, in which the first section 110 may then be movable away fromthe footing assembly 140.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 20, the firearm magazine102 has been disconnected from the firearm 900. The first section 110has been de-latched from the footing assembly 140, in which theammunition spring 106 becomes decompressed (so that a bullet 902 may beinserted into the interior of the firearm magazine 102). The post member134 remains connected with the footing assembly 140. The magazine floor103 of the post member 134 remains slide coupled with the second hollowtube 130. It is preferred that the user does not de-latch the firstsection 110 from the footing assembly 140 while the firearm magazine 102remains operatively received in the firearm 900 (as depicted in FIG.18).

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 21, the first section110 has been latched to the footing assembly 140, in which theammunition spring 106 becomes compressed within the firearm magazine102.

It will be appreciated that the description and/or drawings identifiesand describes embodiments of the apparatus (either explicitly ornon-explicitly). The apparatus may include any suitable combinationand/or permutation of the technical features as identified in thedetailed description, as may be required and/or desired to suit aparticular technical purpose and/or technical function. It will beappreciated, that where possible and suitable, any one or more of thetechnical features of the apparatus may be combined with any other oneor more of the technical features of the apparatus (in any combinationand/or permutation). It will be appreciated that persons skilled in theart would know that technical features of each embodiment may bedeployed (where possible) in other embodiments even if not expresslystated as such above. It will be appreciated that persons skilled in theart would know that other options would be possible for theconfiguration of the components of the apparatus to adjust tomanufacturing requirements and still remain within the scope asdescribed in at least one or more of the claims. This writtendescription provides embodiments, including the best mode, and alsoenables the person skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments.The patentable scope is defined by the claims and not by the writtendescription and/or the drawings. The written description and/or drawingsare provided to help understand the scope of the claims. It is believedthat all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have beenprovided in this document. It is understood that the scope of aninvention is provided by the independent claim(s). It is understood, forthis document, that the phrase “includes” is equivalent to the word“comprising.” The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments(examples). The description is made for particular non-limitingembodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limitingembodiments are merely illustrative as examples.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a spring-adjustmentassembly being configured to selectively reduce spring tension of anammunition spring of a firearm magazine of a firearm in such a way thatthe spring-adjustment assembly permits relatively easier loading ofammunition into the firearm magazine; and the spring-adjustment assemblybeing mountable to the firearm magazine in such a way that thespring-adjustment assembly is not removable from the firearm magazineonce the firearm magazine is securely coupled to the firearm.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein: the spring-adjustment assembly isinteractable with the ammunition spring once the firearm magazine isremoved from the firearm in such a way that the spring-adjustmentassembly selectively decompresses the ammunition spring so that a bulletis relatively easier to insert into the firearm magazine; and thespring-adjustment assembly selectively compresses, in use, theammunition spring so that the bullet received by the firearm magazine isready for utilization by the firearm once the firearm magazine isreceived by, and coupled to, the firearm.
 3. An apparatus, comprising: afirearm magazine being configured to be selectively received by, andcoupled to, a firearm; and an ammunition spring being received, at leastin part, in the firearm magazine; and a spring-adjustment assembly beingmounted to the firearm magazine and also being interactable with theammunition spring once the firearm magazine is received by, and coupledto, the firearm, and once the firearm magazine is removed from thefirearm; and whereby the spring-adjustment assembly remains with thefirearm magazine so that the spring-adjustment assembly is notinadvertently lost or misplaced once the firearm magazine is removedfrom the firearm.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: thespring-adjustment assembly is interactable with the ammunition springonce the firearm magazine is removed from the firearm in such a way thatthe spring-adjustment assembly selectively decompresses the ammunitionspring so that a bullet is relatively easier to insert into the firearmmagazine; and the spring-adjustment assembly selectively compresses, inuse, the ammunition spring so that the bullet received by the firearmmagazine is ready for utilization by the firearm once the firearmmagazine is received by, and coupled to, the firearm.
 5. The apparatusof claim 3, wherein: a button is configured to cause a portion of thespring-adjustment assembly to extend downwardly from the firearm, and torelease tension of the ammunition spring, and to allow relatively easierinsertion of ammunition into the firearm magazine.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein: the spring-adjustment assembly is movable upwardly,after ammunition is loaded in the firearm magazine, from a bottom of thefirearm magazine in such a way that tension is applied to the ammunitionspring, and the ammunition spring is returned to a required springtension for proper operation of the firearm once the firearm magazine isloaded into the firearm.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: thefirearm magazine includes: an ammunition portal; and a spring portalbeing spaced apart from the ammunition portal; and the ammunition portalis configured to receive a bullet in such a way that the bullet entersan internal well extending through the firearm magazine; and theinternal well extends between the ammunition portal and the springportal; and the ammunition portal is also configured to provide thebullet from the internal well to the firearm; and the spring portal isconfigured to receive the ammunition spring; and a lip portion that ispositioned proximate to the spring portal; and the lip portion extendsexternally from the firearm magazine away from the interior of theinternal well.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein: thespring-adjustment assembly includes: a first section and a secondsection configured to be selectively movable relative to each other, andselectively securely lockable to each other; and the first section isconfigured to slide onto the firearm magazine from a top section of thefirearm magazine toward a bottom section of the firearm magazine; andthe first section defines a channel extending therethrough; and thefirst section includes an edge portion extending into the interior ofthe channel.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the channel definedby the first section is configured to slidably receive the firearmmagazine in such a way that the first section is movable from theammunition portal to the spring portal of the firearm magazine; and thelip portion of the firearm magazine is configured to make interferencecontact with the edge portion of the first section once the firstsection is moved along an exterior surface of the firearm magazine fromthe ammunition portal to the spring portal; and the first section is nolonger movable toward the spring portal once the lip portion makesinterference contact with the edge portion; and the second section isconfigured to receive and to support an end portion of the ammunitionspring.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: the second sectionincludes: a first hollow tube configured to be slideable into theinterior of the first section; and the first section defines a firstengagement groove that is formed in the channel formed in the interiorof the first section; and the first engagement groove is configured tointeract with a rail element provided by the first hollow tube in such away that the first hollow tube is slideable along the interior of thefirst section.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein: the first sectiondefines a retention cutout; and the retention cutout is configured tocooperate with a retention clip of the first hollow tube of the secondsection in such a way that the first section is selectively lockablyengageable with, and disengageable from, the first hollow tube; and theretention cutout and the retention clip are configured to selectivelyengage with each other in such a way that the first section is securelycoupled to the first hollow tube.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein: the first section provides a cover for covering a catch-releasebutton being provided by the first hollow tube; and the catch-releasebutton is configured to selectively latch with, and to de-latch from, aretention opening defined by a catch-release button housing that isprovided by a receiver section of the second section in such a way thatthe ammunition spring is any one of selectively decompressed andcompressed.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: the second sectionincludes: a post member securely received, at least in part, in, andmounted to, the receiver section of the second section in such a waythat the post member extends away from the receiver section; and thepost member is received, at least in part, in the hollow interior of asecond hollow tube.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: the secondhollow tube is received, at least in part, in the hollow interior of thefirst hollow tube; and the second hollow tube is received, at least inpart, in a hollow interior of the firearm magazine.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein: the second section includes the first hollow tube;and the retention clip of the first hollow tube is configured tocooperate with the retention cutout of the first section; and the firsthollow tube includes an ammunition limiter; and the ammunition limiteris configured to limit travel of the bullet that is held in the firearmmagazine.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the second sectionincludes the second hollow tube; and the second hollow tube isconfigured to be slide received in the interior of the first hollowtube; and the second hollow tube provides a protrusion; and theprotrusion is positioned on the second hollow tube.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein: the first hollow tube defines a groove; and theprotrusion is slide engageable with the groove.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein: the second section includes the post member; and thepost member is configured to be slidable along the interior of thesecond hollow tube; and the post member provides a magazine floor; andthe magazine floor is configured to be movable in such a way that themagazine floor compresses the ammunition spring once the second sectionis pushed upwardly; and the magazine floor is configured to be movablein such a way that the magazine floor decompresses the ammunition springonce the second section is pushed downwardly in an extended position.19. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the second section includes: afooting assembly; a latch; a spring assembly; a base assembly; a plateassembly; and a connector; and the connector securely connects the baseassembly to the plate assembly; and the footing and the base assemblyare configured to house the latch; and the spring assembly is positionedrelative to the latch; and the spring assembly is configured to urge thelatch toward a latched position, in which the first section remainssecurely connected with the footing assembly.
 20. An apparatus,comprising: a firearm magazine being configured to be selectivelysecurely receivable by a firearm; and the firearm magazine beingconfigured to be selectively removable from the firearm; and the firearmmagazine defining an internal well; and the internal well beingconfigured to receive a plurality of bullets therein; and an ammunitionspring being received in the internal well of the firearm magazine; andthe ammunition spring being in contact, at least in part, with amagazine floor of the internal well of the firearm magazine; and theammunition spring being configured to apply pressure to the plurality ofbullets received in the internal well in such a way that the ammunitionspring, in use, pushes against the magazine floor and urges theplurality of bullets towards the internal well of the firearm magazine;and a spring-adjustment assembly being configured to selectivelycompress the ammunition spring, and to selectively decompress theammunition spring relative to the magazine floor of the firearmmagazine; and the spring-adjustment assembly being configured toselectively decompress the ammunition spring in such a way that a bulletis relatively easier to insert in the internal well of the firearmmagazine once: the firearm magazine is selectively removed from thefirearm; and the spring-adjustment assembly has selectively decompressedthe ammunition spring; and the spring-adjustment assembly beingconfigured to selectively compress the ammunition spring in such a waythat the ammunition spring provides relatively more pressure against theplurality of bullets housed in the firearm magazine, and the ammunitionspring urges the plurality of bullets towards the internal well of thefirearm magazine; and the spring-adjustment assembly being securelyaffixed to the firearm magazine while the firearm magazine isselectively securely received by the firearm; and the spring-adjustmentassembly being securely affixed to the firearm magazine while thefirearm magazine is selectively removed from the firearm.